It seems that Research In Motion may have Apple to thank for the delay of its new BlackBerry Bold handheld to be released by AT&T. AT&T has become understandably gunshy when it comes to product releases after the 3G problems with the latest iPhone. As a result, the Associated Press is reporting that RIM’s CEO has stated that the Bold is still being tested by AT&T before its pending release.

According to the article, an AT&T spokesperson merely states that the BlackBerry Bold is still expected to launch this year. I’m sure RIM is hoping for a release at least before the holiday season. AT&T is probably planning on that as well, but the wireless carrier wants to make sure it doesn’t alienate new subscribers with some of the same defects experienced by the iPhone.

{ad}RIM’s stock has taken a hit in part due to the delay of the BlackBerry Bold. I don’t think anyone can blame AT&T for being a little extra cautious. Supposedly, the iPhone underwent testing by AT&T before its release. I think it’s hard for AT&T to explain how the iPhone 3G bugs materalized even after testing. They don’t want a repeat performance with the BlackBerry Bold.